WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2018 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill on a voice vote. The legislation funds the State Department, the United States Agency for International Development, and other international activities. 
 
The bill will target funding to U.S. foreign policy priorities, including critical diplomatic and security missions to increase stability and security. It also contains funding to bolster U.S. allies and key partners in strategic and challenging areas of the world, and provides critical humanitarian aid. In addition, the legislation contains strong oversight measures and reductions to nonessential or lower-priority international programs to protect and save taxpayer dollars.
 
In total, the bill provides $47.4 billion in both regular discretionary and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. This total is $10 billion below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, when counting additional funds provided in the Security Assistance Appropriations Act of 2017. Within this amount, OCO funding totals $12 billion, which supports operations and assistance in areas of conflict, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
 
“In the wake of ever-growing international threats and challenges – such as North Korea’s recent missile test – it is more important than ever for the U.S. to invest in robust diplomatic and global efforts to ensure stability around the world and the security of our nation and our allies,” Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen said. “This bill will target funding to where it’s needed the most, ensure U.S. dollars are being put to good use to expand democracy and peace, and provide critical humanitarian assistance in war-torn, disaster-affected, and impoverished areas or the world.”
 
State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers said:
 
“The United States maintains her global leadership position through iron-clad diplomatic partnerships, a strong national defense, and unwavering efforts to fight terrorism and transnational crime. Our ability to continue investments in diplomacy and development, alongside our military, makes our nation stronger and safer,” said Chairman Rogers. “This bill provides robust funding to support our allies and partners in the fight against terrorism and countering in Russian aggression, prioritizes resources needed to keep U.S. personnel safe, and strengthens oversight measures to provide accountability to the U.S. taxpayer.”
 
The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full committee today:
 
Rep. Rogers – The manager’s amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report.The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
 
Rep. Dent – The amendment would modify the quorum requirement for the Export-Import Bank Board through September 30, 2019. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
 
Rep. Calvert –The amendment adds report language expressing disappointment with a recent UNESCO designation related to Israel. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
 
The bill was approved on a voice vote.

For a summary of the bill, please visit:
https://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394988
 
For the bill report, please visit: 
https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/23926.pdf
 
For the text of the bill, please visit: 
https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bills-115hr-sc-ap--stateforop-fy2018stateforeignoperationsappropriations.pdf